Ovarian cancer forms in tissues of the ovary, one of a pair of female reproductive glands in which the ova — eggs — are formed. It may also start in the cells in the far end (distal) of the fallopian tubes.
Types of Ovarian Cancer
Most are ovarian epithelial cancers, which start in the epithelium tissue, the lining on the outside of the ovary. This type of ovarian cancer is divided into serous, mucinous, endometrioid, clear cell, transitional and undifferentiated types.
Malignant germ cell ovarian cancer begins in the egg-producing cells and has subtypes: teratoma, dysgerminoma, endodermal sinus tumor and choriocarcinoma.
Stromal ovarian cancer grows in the connective tissue that holds the ovary together and makes estrogen and progesterone. Subtypes include granulosa, granulosa-theca and Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors.
Two rare types of ovarian cancer
- Primary peritoneal ovarian cancer, which starts in the lining of the pelvis and abdomen.
- Fallopian tube cancer, which starts in the fallopian tube and acts like epithelial ovarian cancer. (See below for both Primary Peritoneal and Fallopian Tube cancers.)
Treatment Options for Ovarian Cancer
- Debulking surgery is a procedure in which a laparotomy — a surgical incision in the abdominal wall — is performed to remove as much of the tumor as possible.
- Minimally invasive laparoscopy is done through smaller incisions with a small video camera inserted into the abdominal area through an endoscope (a device with a light at the end), and our surgical team guides the camera within your body.
- Robotic-assisted surgery is robotically assisted minimally invasive surgery to biopsy or treat early-stage ovarian cancer and, in some cases, recurrent ovarian cancer. To perform robotic surgery, our surgeon uses finger and foot controls, and the robot precisely copies his or her every movement. The surgical team at the bedside monitors you throughout the procedure, assisting as necessary.
VIEW VIDEO: Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery: Improving Lives Through Technology
Streamed live on 5/11/22
Today, many routine as well as complex obstetric and gynecologic (OB/GYN) surgeries can be performed using minimally invasive techniques. Compared with traditional open procedures, minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS) utilizes a variety of different techniques (including laparoscopic, robotics, and vaginal approaches) which result in less pain, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery time.
The Director of Gynecologic Oncology, William Burke, MD, joins his colleagues from Stony Brook Medicine’s Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology as they discuss the benefits of minimally invasive surgery, the latest innovative surgical options, and the impact it can have on your recovery and quality of life.